Sunday, June 27, 2010

Long Island Lemonade Cocktail

The Lemonade Stand. Everyone has probably dabbled in this sidewalk small business venture at least once in their lifetime. The temperature is creeping upward. We set up a card table in front of the steps and throw a plastic flowered table cloth over it. We write out a sign with thick black magic marker that reads “Lemonade 5 Cents.” Mom mixes a big pitcher of frosty lemonade and arms us with a supply of wax paper cups. Then, we sit outside and wait for the cash to roll in. Or, we drink the lemonade because it’s pretty hot in the afternoon sun.

Nowadays, I work in an air-conditioned office building, so I don’t have to hawk lemonade on the sidewalk in the summertime, and when the temperature climbs, I still seek relief and refreshment, usually on the privacy of my deck. Still, I haven’t lost my appreciation for local entrepreneurs.

Rich Stabile, the founder of Long Island Spirits in Baiting Hollow on the North Fork of Long Island, knows a bit about building local business. He created LiV Voda, Long Island’s first craft vodka, and now he’s introducing a new line of liqueurs he calls Sorbetta. The Sorbetta family of liqueurs is crafted in micro-batches using LiV Vodka and are available in Lemon, Orange and Strawberry. LiV Vodka is distilled from Long Island potatoes, so it’s a product that’s closely tied to the agricultural heritage and community of the North Fork. The three Sorbettas are made using hand-peeled, macerated fresh fruits. The Lemon Sorbetta tastes sleek and smooth, with just a hint of tartness.

I thought I’d celebrate the arrival of Sorbetta and summer with a special concoction which I call the “Long Island Lemonade Cocktail” using Sorbetta Lemon Liqueur. It’s sassy, tart and delicious, but it is definitely a far cry from the beverage we sold from that sidewalk lemonade stand!

Louise over at Months of Edible Celebrations, is always in the mood for some merriment, and she’s hosting her annual “Picnic Game” again this year with 26 bloggers contributing to the picnic basket. I’m game. Nothing beats eating outdoors. What could be better to bring to a picnic than a refreshing (and adult) summer cocktail? I’m going on a picnic, and I’m bringing...

26 comments:

TW>Thanks for spreading the word about good local producers making great products. It sounds like my kind of lemonade and that photo is just beyond perfect... it glows with the spirit of the lemon, Bravo!

I was one of those entrepreneurs in the good ol days and to this day, I can not pass up a Lemonade Stand at a yard sale or on the side of the road where there is a little one peddling their home made refreshment.

It's wonderful to hear the spirit of Long Island is thriving where potato farms once darned the landscape and gratifying to know the creators of LiV Vodka have ventured on to yet another line of liqueurs.

Thank you so much for playing the Picnic Game, T.W. with a special thank you for bringing a taste of home along with you. I sure could use a Long Island Lemonade Cocktail right about now! Those glistening glasses are calling my name; Louise, Louise, I can hear them from here...

Hi there!My blog ( www.thegourmandmom.wordpress.com )got a couple clicks from your site yesterday, so I clicked on your link. Great blog! And I notice that you're from LI and attended French Culinary Institute, just like me(though I'm no longer on the Island). Just wanted to say hi to a fellow Long Islander. I'll be checking out your blog again!Amy

I could have one, quite possibly two, glasses of your "lemonade." The sorbettas sound delicious. You are so fortunate to have them locally produced. I love how the vodka is bottled. I hope you are having a great day. Blessings...Mary